Dearest Family,

I feel like I`m in Oregon.  The rains have set-in in the jungle.  Fortunately, I have my handy pair of rubber boots. 

President Calderon visited us this past week.  He gave several trainings to the leaders here and we missionaries also attended.  I really, really appreciated the trainings.  He also gave training to the missionaries that clarified everything for me.  I feel confident now that I can work as God desires and President Calderon will be happy with those efforts.  To put it simply, I can focus on looking for families to baptize even if that means that there will be less baptisms.

When I arrived in Puerto, Hna. Benites and I had several baptisms.  During some of the baptisms I felt confused because the Spirit was agitated within me.  I didn`t feel joy in the baptisms, but my mind couldn`t make sense of why I didn`t feel calm.  I thought, `They`re baptisms.  I should be happy.`  I expressed my concerns to my companion, and she replied that baptizing children is often a means of motivating parents to learn about the church.  This comment quieted me.  In fact, I felt a little bad that I hadn`t considered that perspective.

President Calderon`s visited helped me because he talked openly.  He said, `We don`t want to add the church`s list of inactives.  Few, few young people stay active after their baptisms.  They come to church mainly for the social interactions.  Even if the young people are intelligent and they like learning about the church, few of they will remain active.  Many young people excite missionaries because they are excited about the church, but the excitement quickly fades.`  I know what President Calderon told us is true because I`ve seen it a lot.  It`s a different story when children are baptized with their parents.  They stay active.

In sum, I realize that what the Spirit led me to feel with my previous baptisms was the Spirit talking to me.  The Spirit didn`t tell me exactly what was wrong, but I definitely felt confusion.  That confusion signified that not everything was as it should be.   I`m glad now, however, that I can finish my mission working towards what really matters most. 

Love,

Hermana Blunck II